About Amarnath.B Expertise Helping build recovery in the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by alcoholism, drug dependency and related diseases.
Involved in counseling/rehabilitation.
Can answer any question on this subject.
Experience 6 years of counseling in the area of chemical dependency.
Organizations Volunteer expert in Alcohol Addiction with allexperts.com
Education/Credentials Graduate/Post Graduate
DLCAS Hazelden/Addiction Studies/Theory & Practice of Addiction Counseling/Dual Disorders
Expert: Amarnath.B Date: 5/18/2008 Subject: One month addiction
Question I have just found out that my longtime boyfriend and father of my children has been shooting up heroin for the past month. We have been discussing the reasons why and what for and he reveled that he has been depressed. He started a new job a month ago and the drug has been shoved in his face everyday. He quit his job yesterday and has told me that he wants to stop doing the drug. My first question is how bad is the withdrawal going to be since he was only been using for a month? What do you suggest that I do to avoid him using again? Do you think this is something that he could break free from? He has NEVER used drugs besides marijuana before in his life. Thank you. Jessica
Answer Dear Jessica,
I have a strong feeling that your boyfriend is an addict and has been using for a long time by the way you describe his shooting heroin. Please realize that addiction is a disease and cannot be cured. It can only be arressted by staying stopped.
Withdrawals can last from 3 days to 10 days. The symptoms are cold sweats, shivering, naseousness, vomiting, & fever. He will be very disoriented and would go to any lengths to use again. You have to take him to a nearest medical center and detox him. The only way he can stop is to enter a rehabilitation center for atleast two months. He should also start attending NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings - a self-help group by and for recovering addicts. There should be one in your area. This is the only way he can come out of doing drugs. Remember one cannot come out of addiction alone. He/She needs help. Also try and see a counselor for yourself.
Please do not delay as withdrawals can be fatal at times.
